Coming to Africa without seeing the Big 5 is like visiting Paris without catching a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower!
The term ‘Big 5’ was coined by big-game hunters of the past & refers to the 5 most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot - but is now widely used in the safari industry as some of the most interesting animals to see on a photographic safari.
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino have become ‘celebrities of the bush’ & one of the main reasons an African safari should be on everyone’s bucket list.
There are many places in Africa where you can see the Big 5, so journey with us as we share the best of the best.
1. South Africa
South Africa is the king of the jungle when it comes to Big 5 game reserves, & this beautiful country offers something for everyone. The best place to see the Big 5 is in Kruger’s Private Game Reserves. Families who are looking for a malaria-free holiday should opt for Madikwe Game Reserve or one of the reserves in the Eastern Cape as these destinations offer a variety of family-friendly lodges & camps.
2. Botswana
For an authentic & wild safari experience, you should hop on a small plane & fly to the world-famous Okavango Delta, the game-packed Moremi Game Reserve & the iconic Chobe National Park as these areas all offer superb Big 5 wildlife viewing.
3. Namibia
Etosha National Park is Nambia’s cherry on top when it comes to Big 5 game viewing. The park is famous for its numerous waterholes, so you’ll have ample opportunity to witness animals make their way to the water to drink, splash & play.
4. Tanzania
Most visitors to Tanzania want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of Earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles. But the country also offers superb Big 5 wildlife viewing year-round. The best places to see the Big 5 is in the game-packed Serengeti National Park & the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater.
5. Kenya
The crème de la crème of Kenya is the Masai Mara, a magnet for travellers who want to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in season. The Mara is also home to the famous Big 5, so guests can tick off both in one holiday.
6. Zimbabwe
Most travellers who want to experience a classic Big 5 safari, also want to witness one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: the majestic Victoria Falls. The Falls can be seen from both Zimbabwe & Zambia’s sides & can easily be combined with a safari to Zimbabwe’s Big 5 regions: Hwange National Park & Mana Pools National Park.
7. Zambia
Although Zambia is technically a Big 5 country, rhino is rare & can only be seen in Victoria Falls’ Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park & in North Luangwa National Park. Lion, elephant & buffalo are common across multiple parks while Kafue, South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi are well-known for leopards.





























